DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. The hundreds of Eagles fans that watched Saturdays homecoming game against the Rye Neck Panthers didnt leave Gould Park disappointed.
The Eagles caged the Panthers by a wide 43-0 margin, stretching its victory streak to six, amassing its fourth shutout, and reserving a well-earned spot in the playoffs. Its going to be a game to remember, said center and defensive end Dennis Deleon, 17, a senior in Dobbs Ferry High School, before the game started.
Deleon added that he was going to do his best in his last homecoming game. Our mentality is to play hard in every game, he said.
The Eagless players did seem determined when they rushed down Devoe Street through a wave of pompoms and stomped into the field like furious warriors. The game, though, didnt start so well for them, with three plays and out on the opening drive, forcing a punt.
But then the Eagless defense justified its reputation. Clamped on their 30-yard line by an impenetrable barrier, the Panthers had no option but kicking the ball back to their eager opponents.
In the next play, with 6:43 left in the first quarter, Dobbs Ferrys halfback Eddie Ritch ran 55 yards to score the first of his two touchdowns in the game, thanks to an efficient block from Darien Bica. Nice block, Darien. Nice block, a woman shouted from the bleachers.
Another touchdown from Spencer Avalos, still in the first quarter, increased the Eagles lead to 15-0. They went on to build the 43-0 score in the second quarter and never let their game down in the second half, as Deleon said.
At least for him, it seems that the game will indeed become memorable, just as he predicted. I think I played one of the best games ever, he said. My last home game.
Here are some of the game stats.
Chris Addorisio: two carries
Spencer Avalos (quarterback): 19 yards, two carries, one touchdown; a 42-yard pass for a touchdown
Thomas Fleming: a 42-yard reception for a touchdown
Brian Gardner: four carries
Eddie Ritch: 146 yards, five carries, two touchdowns
Tim Soave: 53 yards, six carries
John Yozzo-Scaperrotta: 20 yards, four carries, one touchdown
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